Waiting in Hope: An Advent Week 1 Reading Guide
Prepare your heart for the coming of Christ with this Advent week 1 guide focused on the theme of hope and expectation.
The season of Advent begins not with a celebration, but with a breath. It is a season of holy waiting, a time to lean into the “not yet” of the Christian story. In a culture that demands immediate gratification and skips straight to the festivities, Advent Week 1 calls us back to the posture of expectation. We look back at the centuries of waiting for the Messiah’s first coming, and we look forward with hope to His return.
The Candle of Hope
Traditionally, the first candle of the Advent wreath is the Candle of Hope, sometimes called the Prophet’s Candle. It reminds us of the long-standing promises of God whispered through the ages. Hope, in the biblical sense, is not a wishful thought or a “maybe.” It is a confident expectation based on the character of God. As we light this first candle, we acknowledge the darkness of the world while simultaneously testifying to the Light that is coming.
Rooted in the Prophets
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). The prophets spoke into times of deep national and spiritual despair. They didn’t ignore the darkness; they spoke hope into it. During this first week of Advent, we spend time in the prophetic books to understand the depth of the longing for a Savior. Their words remind us that God’s timing is rarely our own, but His faithfulness is unwavering across generations.
Waiting in the Present
Waiting is often seen as a passive activity, but in the liturgical sense, it is deeply active. It is the work of preparing the soil of our hearts. How do we wait well? We do so by making room. This week, consider what “clutter”—both physical and spiritual—is preventing you from feeling the weight of the longing for Christ. Hope grows in the space we create for God to move. It is in the quiet moments of prayer and the intentional acts of service that we find our hope renewed.
The Promise of the Second Coming
Advent is a dual-focused season. While we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, we also look toward His promised return. This “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) sustains us in a broken world. We wait for the day when every tear will be wiped away and all things will be made new. This week’s readings remind us that the story is not over; the King who came in humility will return in glory, and our hope is anchored in that reality.
A Prayer for the First Week
Lord, as we begin this journey toward the manger, open our eyes to the hope that only You can provide. In the midst of a world that feels heavy and uncertain, remind us of Your ancient promises. Help us to wait with patience and joy, knowing that the Light is coming. May our hearts be a dwelling place for Your hope this week. Amen.
Worship Basics: Guiding your heart through the seasons of the liturgical year.